Uber car requirements: Does your car meet them?

Being an Uber driver can be a great option for those looking for flexibility and good earning potential. Uber drivers can use their own vehicles – but did you know that not every car can be used as an Uber?

There are some specific Uber driver car requirements that you need to meet before you can be accepted as a driver. So, let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

Uber’s general car requirements

There are some standard requirements that all Uber vehicles need to meet, regardless of which category of car you’ll be offering passengers (more on that later). Uber accepts both manual and automatic cars, but it’s recommended that drivers opt for automatic vehicles, as they offer a smoother ride.

The standard requirements for any Uber vehicle are:

• A valid private hire vehicle licence (PHVL) All vehicles operating as private hire vehicles must have a licence issued by an accepted council. The issuing authority depends on where you live, for example it may be Glasgow City Council, Liverpool City Council, or Transport for London (TfL).
• Private hire motor insurance You must take out valid private hire insurance for both you and your vehicle. If you live in London, you must choose from a list of approved insurers (which you can find on Uber’s site here). If you’re outside of London, you’re free to use another insurance provider.
• Model year in line with local licensing authority requirements Uber states that your vehicle’s model year must be in line with the licensing requirements for your specific area. This differs depending on whether you live in London or elsewhere – the model must be from 2008 or newer for London, and 2006 or newer for anywhere else in the UK.
• Four-door car or minivan Your vehicle must be a four-door model. That means that cars with 3 doors, like a Fiat 500, would not be eligible as an Uber vehicle.
• Good condition with no cosmetic damage Your vehicle shouldn’t have any bumps, scrapes or rust, and the interior should be clean and tidy with no tears or stains on the upholstery. Your vehicle must also be fully operational without any mechanical issues. That means your car should pass its MOT, with your brakes, lights, seatbelts and air conditioning all functioning normally.
• No commercial branding Your vehicle shouldn’t have any advertisements, decals, or logos relating to a business or service. That means you can’t have any wrap-around adverts or stickers which promote a product or service, and any business logos should be removed.
• Licensed to carry a minimum of 4 passengers You must be able to carry at least 4 passengers in your vehicle, with 3 people in the back and one in the passenger seat – or more, if you’re using a mini-van. That means that four-seater cars aren’t eligible to be used as Uber vehicles.

Additional London requirements

If you drive an Uber in London, there are some additional requirements set out by Transport for London (TfL) that all private hire vehicles much meet:

• Private hire vehicles that are licenced for the first time must be zero emission capable (ZEC)
• Vehicles under 18 months old should be ZEC and meet the Euro 6 emissions standard when licensed for the first time – find out more about emissions standards for PHVs in London on the TfL website
• Vehicles over 18 months old must have a Euro 6 (petrol or diesel) engine when licensed for the first time.

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Requirements for different vehicle categories

Uber offers different vehicle categories to cater to varying passenger preferences – some passengers are happy with a standard vehicle, while others like to travel in a more luxurious car, and others still have mobility needs and require an Uber with more space.

As well as the general requirements that all Uber vehicles must meet, there are additional requirements for the different vehicle categories.

UberX

UberX is the most common option for passengers, and the most affordable. It’s designed to offer everyday transportation for up to four passengers, using standard vehicles. 

UberX car requirements

Because this is Uber’s standard service, there are no additional requirements beyond the general ones. That means that if you meet the standard requirements, you’re eligible to drive an UberX vehicle.

Uber Green

Note: Currently, Uber Green is only available in London, as part of the company’s commitment to make every car on the Uber app in London fully electric by 2025. 

It’s an eco-friendly option that allows passengers to request trips in electric vehicles, helping to reduce their carbon footprint. It works in the same way as a regular Uber, but it’s only for 100% electric vehicles. 

Uber Green car requirements

As well as the general requirements, the one additional requirement for Uber Green is that your vehicle must be fully electric (hybrid vehicles aren’t included.)

Uber Comfort

Passengers can choose to pay a little extra for a more comfortable ride, and Comfort also gives them the option to choose the car’s temperature and specify in advance whether they prefer to chat or not, from the app. This category includes newer vehicles with more legroom. 

Additional Uber Comfort requirements

On top of the general requirements, your vehicle model: 

• Must be a maximum of 7 years old for London
• For the rest of the UK, it must be a maximum of 10 years old.

This will be implemented on a rolling basis, so in 2025, your vehicle must have been manufactured in 2018 or later if you’re a London driver, or in 2015 if you work anywhere else in the country.

UberXL

This is the category for larger vehicles, with space for a minimum of 6 passengers. It’s a great option for larger groups of passengers, or those with more luggage.

Additional UberXL requirements

Your vehicle must be able to seat 6 passengers, in addition to the driver.

Uber Exec

Uber Exec is an elevated service that offers premium vehicles with experienced drivers. It’s aimed at passengers looking for a high-end experience. Eligible cars include models such as the BMW 6-series and Audi A6.

Additional Uber Exec car requirements

• For those in London, your vehicle must have been manufactured in 2016 or later (requirements vary across other UK cities).
• Also for those in London, your vehicle must have been registered in 2017 or later (as of 2023).
• Additionally, drivers must have a minimum rating of 4.85 and must have completed at least 1000 rides.

Uber Lux

Uber Lux offers passengers the most luxurious experience, in the best cars such as the BMW 7-series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Additional Uber Lux requirements

Your vehicle could qualify for this category if:

• It was manufactured in 2016 or later (as of 2022)
• It was registered in 2017 or later (as of 2023)
• You have a rating of 4.9 or above
• You’ve completed more than 1000 trips

Uber Assist

Uber Assist is designed for passengers who need extra assistance. This could be riders with disabilities, older adults, or those who require a little help getting in and out of the vehicle. The service is currently available in:

• London
• Manchester
• Sheffield
• Leeds
• Birmingham
• Newcastle
• Merseyside
• Glasgow
• Edinburgh
• Brighton
• Portsmouth
• Southampton
• Cardiff
• Nottingham
• Bristol

Additional Uber Assist requirements

• Your vehicle must be able to accommodate folding wheelchairs, walkers, collapsible scooters, and other assistive devices.
• You must have a minimum rating of 4.7.
• You must have completed at least 500 trips (if you’re based in London), or 150 trips (for those in the rest of the UK).
• If you meet these criteria, you must complete Uber’s online disability equality training.

It’s also important to note that as an Uber driver in the UK, you’re legally required to accept service animals in your vehicle. If you need an exemption (if you’re allergic, for example), you need to apply for this from your local authority.

Uber Access

Access allows wheelchair users to remain in their wheelchair during the journey – which means you must have a vehicle that can accommodate a non-foldable wheelchair.

The service is currently available in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, and Newcastle.

Additional Uber Access requirements

• Your vehicle must be able to accommodate a non-foldable wheelchair
• It must be equipped with a ramp or lift
• You must complete a certified accessibility training course
• If you own your own wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), you must visit your local Greenlight Hub for a vehicle inspection
• You must have a minimum rating of 4.7
• You must have completed at least 500 trips (for London drivers) or at least 150 trips (for drivers elsewhere in the UK)
• If you meet the criteria, you’ll have to complete a certified accessibility training course.

If you don’t have a WAV, you may rent one. And, again, note that it’s a legal requirement to accept service animals in your vehicle, unless you’re eligible for an exception.

Cars accepted by Uber

To drive for Uber, your vehicle must meet the criteria outlined above. You can check the list of Uber-accepted cars to see if your vehicle meets the requirements for categories other than UberX. 

As the requirements can vary from region to region, it’s quick and easy to check whether your vehicle meets the specifications for your local authority. To do an Uber car check:

• Search for your city
• Either enter your vehicle make and model
• Or search by vehicle category (such as Lux or Exec) to see if your car is eligible.

Driver requirements

As well as having an eligible vehicle, drivers must meet certain driver requirements in order to become an Uber driver, such as having a valid UK driving licence, getting a profile photo taken at an Uber Greenlight Hub, and completing a virtual training course.

You can read our Uber driver requirements guide for more information.

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